Nadezsha stared down at the seat as Arkady stood near her, holding the door of his car open. It was this, or take the bus home. The vehicle sat there, gaping open like a mouth waiting to devour her, reminding her of her decision. Was it too late to back out? She looked up at Arkady.
"Would you be more comfortable at your place or mine when we do this?" he ashed as he gestured to the seat.
"I- I don't know." She paused, wondering what his reaction would be to her shitty apartment. Hell, she didn't even have a bed -- she slept on a fold-out couch. She wasn't a slob, but she was far from a neat freak like her aunt was, and a small space inevitably had the various pieces of Nadezsha's life scattered through it. Dishes, clothes, books -- textbooks and novels -- some old CDs and mementos and the like with the only private space being the tiny bathroom. Definitely not the best place to bring home anyone she might be dating.
On the other hand, the space just might be uncomfortable for Arkady. He was obviously a man used to the finer things in life, and perhaps her apartment would put enough of a damper to the mood that seven minutes just wouldn't be enough for him. Was it worth the risk, allowing him into her personal space?
Before she could say something further, he lifted his chin.
"My place would be the best. It's more comfortable and lends more privacy, as well." He grinned at her before he motioned to the seat.
"But... I. My place-"
"It's in Ocean View, right? I know these apartments. No, you deserve better."
"How did you even-"
"Know where you lived? Your uncle mentioned it when I asked him about you and your father. Although why these apartments are called that I can not fathom why as they are nowhere near the ocean."
It was an observation she'd made when she moved in, but beggars could not be choosers. Many people in the neighborhood were poor, and Ocean View offered a practical solution in its matchbox apartments. She supposed that the builders had thought that being a few miles from the ocean afforded them the right to name the complex as such.
"My place has a much better view. I know you will enjoy it. Besides, it's closer to here."
She stared at him, imagining what he might do with the home advantage. Would he keep her captive in his apartment, chained to his bed or in a basement? Placing her hands on the top of the car door, she curled her fingers, staring at him. "How do I know I'll be safe there? How do I know that if I walk in there, I'll walk back out?"
He seemed mildly surprised. "Do you really think so poorly of me, Nadezsha?" She could almost swear she'd seen a glimmer of hurt in his eyes.
"I really don't know what to think, to be honest. This is all just..." She waved one hand in the air in a gesture of confusion and exasperation. The warmth of his hand pressed against her remaining one, his fingers curling against the back of her hand.
"Then let me tell you once and for all -- I am a man of my word. All I want is to show you how much I care about you. One way or the other. Regardless of the outcome, I swear no harm will come to you."
"Seven minutes," she reminded him flatly before she slid into the seat. She did not see the triumphant smirk on his face as he closed the door and went around to claim his own seat.
"Where do you live, anyway?"
"Oh, near the downtown area. I'm one of the owners of the building I live in."
"Building?" Part owner? She blinked.
"Yes. The Imperial Volga, heard of it?"
"I'm not in business, but yes." It was a mixture of apartments and offices, many of these leased by Russian or American-Russian businesses. Although it wasn't new, and Arkady couldn't be that old. She wondered how he came to be part of what she knew was a successful venture. The Imperial Volga had been around for as long as she could remember, and she usually passed it when she was downtown.
He nodded as he inserted the keys. "Then you know it's not far from here. Which is good because I am very eager to have a taste of my little tsaritsa."
Bloody hell. At least he wasn't calling her princess.
o0o
As he'd promised, it was not very far. The campus was near downtown, and it was less than fifteen minutes before he pulled into the parking at the ground level of the building. The space was clean, and it was obvious from the other cars she saw that anyone who lived at Ocean View would probably never be able to afford living here. Near the wide entrance was a set of glass doors leading into a lavish foyer that led visitors to the offices and business within the Imperial Volga.
Arkady drove the car past the employee area, and turned a corner into a more private but just as well-lit area. A parking space here would probably cost more than the entirety of her rent and bills per month, she observed as the car came to a stop. He pulled the keys out and pressed a button, the doors unlocking with a quiet click.
Her hand came up to the handle and she let herself out before Arkady could hasten to her side. She slung her backpack over one shoulder as she glanced at the private entrance, which was even nicer than the office one. She nearly jumped when she felt his hand on her shoulder, and she relaxed enough to let him guide her.
The door required a key, and took them into an elegant vestibule that opened to several doorways and an elevator. The paneling was beautiful dark wood, and the Muzak was nicer than what she usually heard in places like this. As the door closed and Arkady pressed a couple of buttons, he turned towards her, and took a step forward.
Her heart seemed to leap into her throat, and she gasped softly and took a step backward, effectively trapping herself into the corner. His broad shoulders filled her line of vision, and she looked up at his face. His arms slid to her sides, and she was pulled up onto the rounded railing, his groin flush against her pelvis. His lips were at her temple and jaw, breath hot as he pressed her face to his.
She gasped and arched, maintaining just enough presence of mind to blurt out, "Have the seven minutes started, then?"
He did not respond, but nipped at the side of her throat before pulling back. She took a slow breath as she slid back to the floor, trying to glare at him as she placed one hand to the bar for support.
"I know, but I thought I would give you a taste of what is in store for you."
"Hmmph." She scowled, determined to remain on guard. The cab glided to a stop, and the doors slid open. Several more doors opened off another elegant vestibule, this one bearing several large potted plants.
The door to his apartment was keypad-activated, and several quick taps had the lock sliding aside before letting them in.
Such security, she mused, and wondered about the rumors of him having ties to the mob.
"Shoes off, if you please. I like clean floors." she heard him say as she glanced around the foyer, seeing several coats and boots lined up neatly in a nook.
She stepped out of her shoes, moving forward on polished hardwood, still holding onto her backpack. What surrounded her spoke of strong masculine tastes mixed with restrained elegance. A black living room set was arranged around a large fireplace, and she did not miss the impressive entertainment center that sat in a corner near the kitchen, which had a black and white marble tile floor.
The walls were relatively sparse of pictures except for a few black and white ones. In a couple, she recognized traditional Russian clothing.
"How are you able to afford all this?" Nadezsha finally blurted out. She'd wondered about it for a couple of years, and if she was here, she might as well make use of the opportunity.
He shrugged modestly as he pulled off his jacket after untying and removing his boots. Under, he wore a deep red long-sleeved shirt that was not too tight, but still hugged his shoulders and upper chest, hinting at the strength that she knew he could use with devastating accuracy. "Good business sense."
Arkady walked down the space between the living room and kitchen, the walls closing in to form a passage to the more private areas of the apartment.
One side of the living room had windows that took up nearly the whole length between floor and ceiling, offering a splendid view of the downtown, and even the ocean. The dimensions she'd seen were ample, yet offered the chance of intimacy. The furnishings and appliances spoke of a man who lived well, but did not need to buy every fancy gadget or new toy that came out there, and the fireplace added a homey element to the modern furnishings. Here and there, she saw a glimmer of Russia, but a casual observer would likely have not noticed these cultural quirks of Arkady's heritage.
"No, really. I'm honestly curious. This place was around when I was a kid, and you're not that old... I think." She narrowed her eyes, wondering if she'd underestimated his age. She'd have placed him at his mid-late twenties -- he looked damn good, but he moved and spoke with the confidence of a man whose wisdom came from experience.
He chuckled softly as he turned back to her. His shirt and pants lightly hugged his body in all the right places, and damn if she didn't feel a surge of physical attraction right then and there.
"I suppose you've heard things." His eyes were narrowed slightly.
"About you and some of your friends, yes. I'm only asking because I want to know for sure, one way or the other."
"My share in this building was obtained legally. I bought it from a retiring businessman. I own this apartment, and a certain amount of others that I rent out."
But he didn't deny it, she noted.
"Is there anything else you would like to ask?" he asked, a faint smirk tugging at his lips, almost as if he hoped she would challenge him. Well, then, she would.
